Very wide, very versatile, extremely fun

This is the second season I have had the Genome in my personal inventory. This ski is very low maintenance, and does not require frequent tuning to maintain its superb edge. Now that I own this ski, I have had the opportunity to ski this in a variety of conditions, and I am shocked at this skis versatility (The Genome has made me a better skier. If you meet this skis demands, it offers delicious rewards.)! It carves beautifully on groomed slopes with good condtions, and is stable at speed (provided you don't stray to far from its 23m turn radius). It is quick and maneuverable in bumps, that have some texture and softness, and rips powder bumps. It makes untracked powder skiing a delicious dream, even when the pow is heavy, or old. I will say, it does not like skidded turns on chunder, but keep it on edge, and near its turn radius, it will negotiate cut up terrain. Obviously, ice, or skied off groomers should be avoided, but it's edge hold is shocking for a ski this width. During the last few weeks of spring skiing in Vail, with temperatures in the 50s F and full sun, no crowds, mushy soft groomers with corduroy that lasted through the day, mashed potatoes in the back bowls, and soft corn snow bumps, the 141mm underfoot Genome EXCELLED! Carving deep troughs with precision, blasting through piles, smearing turns-carving-or running the zipper line in the soft bumps.....Wow! I thought I might need a ski width in between this and my 98mm underfoot ski, WRONG, I could almost make this a one ski quiver here in Vail. It prefers a slight forward to centered stance with high angulation. It has adequate dampening for a ski with no metal in its laminate. Torsional stability is also very good. This ski tips the scale, medium to moderately heavy.I bumped into one of Liberty's owners in line on a powder day, while carrying my Genomes, and he commented, "The Genome is very easy to ski"......couldn't agree more! During an interview at the end of the 2016 season, Liberty's ski designer told me......"The Genome is one of my best designs" I'm convinced!

Who is this ski for?

- if you ski powder, yet still want to carve it up on groomers with good conditions- east or west...ski excels even in heavy untracked pow- buy this ski longer vs shorter based on your profile

UPDATE!!!!!! I have just spent a week on the limited release 2016-17 Genome. 15 inches of powder over the last few days. Superb new graphics, and the same amazing, versatile ski as the 2015 model, with no change in construction. Liberty did apply their new textured top sheet material to the Genome, that appears to be more resistant to chipping. This ski will run for two seasons without change. The Genome is not listed on Liberty's website. Liberty's sales manager told me they only have a limited number, primarily for pros, but you can call Liberty directly and order a pair for yourself (If there are any left)!

- if you like a conversation starter on the lift, (how wide are those?)- backcountry, if you don't mind the extra mass and weight- If you are able to give this ski the high edge angles it demands.- if you avoid skidded turns at speed, on firm, cut up snow, or chunder.- if you can maintain a centered to forward stance.- I believe there is a relationship between ski width, and the skiers height. I have seen threads on the internet that suggest wider skis for taller riders, with longer legs, and I believe this is true for me, at 6'1". If anyone can prove this with a mathematical equation, or geometric diagram, please forward on to me. It seems logical, that longer legs will allow for higher angulation, which this ski prefers. I do know that the 141mm underfoot Genome works shocking well for me in our Colorado conditions.

Who is this ski not for?

- if you live in a area that never sees powder conditions- if you prefer skied off groomers, ice, frozen chunder, cut up snow- if you can not meet the criteria listed in "Who Is This Ski For"

Liberty about the Genome

"Don’t fear the girth. The Genome is surprisingly nimble, due to tip and tail Bomb Rocker and lightweight construction. You can float, pivot, and romp deep snow, but can lay down tracks on harder stuff because of the unique camber profile. The Genome will make you a believer", says Liberty. I agree.

Hello Tom, the Double Helix was similar in construction, and design, to the Genome, and the rocker is similar. I tried to take a pic on the railing of my very small balcony this morning, of the side view you requested. My ski does have two seasons of use, and a lot of bumps on it. However, I just skied this years version, and they ski the same. I don't know your personal profile, but the 187cm length in the Genome is perfect for me. The DH in a 182cm skied short, and it did not possess the damping qualities of the Genome. As far as tail rocker, the Genome has a very large sweet spot, and great tail support. I have found the Genome so versatile, that I have been ignoring my approximate 100mm underfoot skis this year, and I have some good ones in my inventory (Bonafide, and Kastle BMX 105). When I say versatile, I am referring to the Genomes carving-edge grip on groomers, and bump capabilities, which blow me away. I may just go to a two Ski Quiver, the Genome, and one of the better 88mm underfoot skis for those extra firm days, when people make fun of my very wide skis.......Craig

Hi Craig, Thanks for the detailed response and photo. I suspect the tail kick up/rocker on the Genome would annoy me. Leaning hard towards the Double Helix! This site is a great resource. I am always surprised that there aren't more comments and questions, given how fast you guys respond.

Hi Tom, thanks for the comments! I have some better photos that Liberty just sent me. I will try to get those posted. The tail rocker, or splay, in the Genome is much lower than other skis in comparable widths. Compare to DPS, or K2. In addition, the Genome has low camber underfoot, compared to full rocker. Craig

Hi Craig,I got really excited when I saw the Genome is available again! I'm also interested in seeing some more pictures of the profile. I mainly ski on Armada JJs, and am very fond of tail rocker. Does the Genome have more of a flat tail? Also, how do they do in tight trees. Thanks for any feedback! John

Hi John, if you scroll down on the Genome review, you will see a photo of the new 187 Genome flat on a table. Should give you a good idea of its profile. The Genome has a very easy release tail, yet has a very large sweet spot, with good tail support, great edge, great carver. I have skied the JJ 2.0, it did ski a bit short in the 185, but I liked the ski. The 187 Genome is just right for my profile. I also skied Armada's Tracer 118 for next year, (which has a similar 5 point sidecut like the JJ)......one of my top picks for next season, see my review and powder ski comparison. Craig

All Powder Skis

2017-2018 Powder Ski Review

Wider skis are better! Let's check it out.

by Craig

I have selected some of the wider offerings (approximate 115mm underfoot and above) that were available for 2016-17 season, as well, the new releases coming for 2017-18. See the individual ski reviews on the Yellow Gentian site for further details on each ski, and best internet pricing on...